7. What Are The Chemical Properties Of AuCl3?
AuCl3, also known as gold(III) chloride, is a highly soluble inorganic compound with the chemical formula AuCl3. Here are some of its key chemical properties:
1. AuCl3 is a yellow to orange crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and ethanol.
2. It is a Lewis acid, meaning it can accept electron pairs from other molecules or ions.
3. AuCl3 is a strong oxidizing agent, capable of oxidizing many organic compounds and reducing itself to AuCl.
4. In aqueous solution, AuCl3 exists as a complex ion [AuCl4]-, which has a square planar geometry.
5. When heated, AuCl3 decomposes to form gold metal and chlorine gas.
6. It reacts with bases to form gold hydroxide, which readily decomposes to form gold oxide and water.
7. AuCl3 is used in various applications, including as an etchant in the semiconductor industry, as a catalyst in organic reactions, and as a precursor for the synthesis of various gold-containing compounds.